COLORADO SPRINGS —Votes in 11 rural counties on whether to secede from Colorado sparked debates that ultimately will strengthen the state, Democratic Gov. John Hickenlooper told local officials Tuesday.

Speaking to Colorado Counties Inc., which represents the interests of local governments, Hickenlooper repeated his pledge to listen more to rural communities. He also praised the work of county commissioners in the aftermath of September’s monumental floods. The governor has been criticized by some rural counties over new gun restrictions and higher renewable-energy standards for electricity cooperatives.

Hickenlooper said the secession question “really led to debates and discussions that are going to make each of your counties stronger and, I think, ultimately make the state stronger.”